Background on Key Figures and Context
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, initiated in April 2023, has escalated with the paramilitary group Fuerzas de Apoyo Rápido (FAR) seizing control of El Fasher, the last major city in western Darfur not under their control. This development marks a significant turning point in the conflict between regular army forces led by General Abdel Fatah al Burhan and the FAR, commanded by General Mohamed Daglo.
Who are the key figures?
- General Abdel Fatah al Burhan: Commander of the regular army and de facto leader of Sudan since the 2021 coup.
- General Mohamed Daglo: Leader of the Fuerzas de Apoyo Rápido (FAR) paramilitaries, who have been engaged in a power struggle against al Burhan’s forces.
The El Fasher Hospital Massacre
The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed shock and deep distress over reports of more than 460 fatalities, including patients and their companions, at the Saudita Maternity hospital in El Fasher following recent attacks and abductions of healthcare personnel by the FAR.
What happened in El Fasher?
- The FAR took control of El Fasher on Sunday, marking a crucial shift in the civil war.
- Since seizing El Fasher, the FAR has been accused of attacking mosques and the Red Cross, resulting in over 2,000 civilian deaths.
- Satellite image analysis supports the evidence of ongoing massacres in the 48 hours following the city’s takeover.
- Reports indicate executions near two hospitals and systematic mass killings on the city’s outskirts.
Impact on Civilians and Displacement
Following the violence, more than 33,000 people have fled to El Fasher’s periphery and the nearby city of Tawila, which already hosts around 650,000 displaced individuals according to the UN.
Before the war, El Fasher was home to over a million residents. Currently, approximately 177,000 civilians remain in the city according to the latest UN data.
Access to El Fasher remains blocked, making it challenging to connect with independent local sources.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the main parties involved in Sudan’s civil war? The conflict pits General Abdel Fatah al Burhan, leading the regular army and de facto leader of Sudan since the 2021 coup, against General Mohamed Daglo and his Fuerzas de Apoyo Rápido (FAR) paramilitaries.
- What is the significance of the FAR taking control of El Fasher? The seizure of El Fasher represents a critical turning point in the civil war, as it was the last major city in western Darfur not under FAR control.
- What are the reported atrocities in El Fasher? The WHO has condemned the killing of over 460 patients and companions at the Saudita Maternity hospital, along with attacks on mosques and the Red Cross by the FAR.
- How many people have been displaced due to the conflict? Over 33,000 individuals have fled to El Fasher and Tawila since the violence erupted, adding to the existing 650,000 displaced persons in Tawila.
- What is the current situation in El Fasher? With around 177,000 civilians remaining, El Fasher faces severe challenges due to blocked access and ongoing violence.
